Summary: He was either a martyr or a destroyer. The difference, and the simple fact of not knowing which one he was is tearing him apart at the seams. His every thought was filled with him…it was consumed with him. Life had become much more complicated than he could ever imagine. The barrier between time and space had become nothing more to him than a door, and every cell of his being vibrates with power.Yet, he would trade it all to change what happened.
Chapter 2: Sǐwáng
Luhan was mumbling in his sleep again, this time louder. It was gibberish until a word slipped out in perfect clarity.
“Sǐwáng.”
Lay’s faced drained of all color and he stopped mid-sentence.
“Was that Chinese?”
“Y-yeah.”
“Well, what did he say?”
Lay was reluctant to say, pausing to stare at Luhan intensely before glancing back at Chanyeol.
“He said...death.”
Chanyeol scrunched his nose and looked at Luhan, “That’s really creepy,” He decided, slapping the table quietly. Lay’s eyes hadn’t left the sleeping face of the boy. There was sudden knocking at the door, making the two of them jump in their seats and put a hand to their chest.
“Chanyeol, stand to the side of the door, be ready if I say so.” Chanyeol nodded and got into position. Lay approached the door, and opened it cautiously. A young man with a round face and large eyes stood silently. He was wearing a baker’s uniform, flour in patches all over his body. Everything was still except for his hands. Had it gotten colder since they last were outside?
“Where is he?” The boy’s voice was like steel, and Lay was just a little frightened.
“Who?”
“You know who. What have you done with him?” His voice broke at the end and Lay relaxed, seeing the desperation for the first time in that cold gaze. He opened the door.
“Chanyeol, he’s alright.” The kid walked in and made a beeline to the sleeping form.
“Oh my god. Luhan,” There was still blood on his clothes and the boy’s hand’s fluttered over him, checking for injuries.
“He’s fine,” Lay started, “I fixed him up.” Nevertheless, the boy lifted his shirt to inspect every inch. His skin was clear and pale, as though nothing had happened. He paused, and looked over his shoulder at Lay.
“I’m Xiumin.” The boy relented.
“Lay.”
“Chanyeol.”
Luhan stirred again, screwing his face up as if in pain. Then, there was fear. It spread across his face quickly and then he was hyperventilating. His hands grabbed at everything until they came into contact with Xiumin, and then he stopped.
“What’s happening?” Xiumin cried, holding onto Luhan’s hand. Luhan sucked in a huge breath and sat straight up in bed, eyes flying open. He sat that way unmoving, unseeing.
“I don’t know,” came Lay’s breathless reply.
It seemed to snap Luhan out of his daze and he looked down at his hand that was entwined with Xiumin’s. He looked at Xiumin, eyes filling with tears that spilled over and poured down his cheeks.
“My father is dead.”
The voice that came out of Luhan was not the same Xiumin knew. This voice was fragile and broken. It was raw, and threatened to collapse at any moment. It was so unlike the normal strong and confident Luhan Xiumin was so used to.
“How do you know?”
“I just do, Xiumin,” he took a shaky breath; “I can’t see him. I can see you and them, but I can’t see him.”
“But we are in the same room as you; you can’t see him because he’s not here.” Luhan pulled his hand out of Xiumin’s, covering his face.
“No. No! That’s not what I mean-,” His voice was cut off in sobs, and Xiumin was on the bed cradling him in an instant.
“Chanyeol,” Lay whispered.
“Yeah,” He answered and they left the house.
Kai had left Xiumin on Lay’s doorstep, melting into the shadows before he could notice. Xiumin was one of them, Kai was absolutely sure. Kris had told him this time would come, but he didn’t fully believe him until this moment. He watched the scene play out through the small window. There were four of the twelve standing before him, not even ten feet away, separated by a thin layer of civilization. Luhan was crying, no doubt he knew about his father. Kai winced at the memory. He did not envy Luhan at all, no matter how powerful he was. Kai didn’t think it was worth the consequences.
He nodded to himself and vanished, leaving a trail of dark smoke to dissipate where he last stood.
Lay and Chanyeol found them both passed out in each other’s arms when they came back a few hours later. Lay smiled to himself, glancing at Chanyeol to see the same expression.
“They are really cute like that aren’t they?” Lay chuckled.
“They really are. I wonder who they are though. I’ve never seen these two around before.”
“Yeah,” Lay agreed, “me neither.”
“These kids are going to be trouble, aren’t they?”
Before Lay could respond, Xiumin cracked a lid.
“Not kids,” he muttered, “not cute either.” Luhan sighed pitifully and snuggled closer, causing Xiumin to freeze.
“How is he?” Chanyeol asked delicately, concern settling on his features.
“I don’t know,” Xiumin was whispering, “after a while he sort of just went quiet. Then he fell asleep. I don’t know what to do.”
Lay didn’t know either; death had never been something he knew how to deal with. His face showed his answer and Xiumin sighed.
“You know,” Chanyeol said moving to sit down at the kitchen table, “death is never easy, but seeing it has got to be traumatizing.”
“Good thought, Chanyeol,” Lay said sarcastically.
“No, shut up. Let me finish. Its traumatizing, but we shouldn’t tiptoe around him. I’m sure he’ll hate if we do that.”
“That might be true.”
That night Lay and Chanyeol slept on the floor with makeshift cots scrapped together with pillows and extra blankets.
It was calm, and then it wasn’t. Kai appeared in the middle of the room, instantly reaching out to grab Xiumin.
“What are you-,”
“No time!”
Then, they vanished. The next they appeared, Xiumin was on his knees gasping for breath, Kai standing behind him.
“What-the-hell-was-that?” Xiumin managed through his gasping.
“No time.”
“What do-,”
“No time!”
“What’s going on!” Xiumin threw his hands in the air.
“This is Luhan’s house.”
Silence.
“Oh,” realization dawned on Xiumin’s face, “is he in there?” A nod from Kai sent Xiumin scrambling towards the door. He opened it hastily and rushed in. The first thing he noticed was the blood. The next was Luhan kneeling in it, clutching the lifeless body of his father.
“Luhan?”
No answer.
“Luhan.”
Nothing, no movement.
Xiumin took a step forward. Luhan’s voice hissed out, “He was murdered.”
Xiumin’s blood became ice.
“Who would murder a dying man?” Luhan’s voice had never been so acidic. It grated on Xiumin’s skin, soaking into the bone.
“I am going to kill who did this, Xiumin.” He said it as though it were absolute law.
“Luhan-,”
“I am going to avenge my father Xiumin. You can’t stop me.”
Xiumin said nothing, shocked to his core. Luhan had always been the kindest person he had ever known.
“I-,” Luhan’s voice broke, “I’m going to do it.”
He kept repeating himself until Xiumin felt the pressure in the room drop, making his ears pop. Small things, debris from broken furniture, books, even droplets of blood were being lifted into the air by an unseen force. Xiumin should have been shocked.
“Luhan.”
He walked forward, and knelt in front of him. He took in his friend’s pale face tear-stained face. He took in the strange way Luhan’s normal features had twisted into a mask of hate and grief. Xiumin reached a hand out.
Things began to fly around the room. They smashed into the walls, ceiling, and floor but never Xiumin. Nothing touched him. Luhan was starting to hyperventilate, clutching his father tighter to his chest. His eyes were squeezed tightly, and things were moving faster now.
Luhan screamed. It was feral, raw, and chilled Xiumin to the bone. At the same time, everything was launched away, Xiumin and Luhan the epicenter. Luhan collapsed, energy completely drained. Kai stepped through the door.
“This is worse than I remember,” he said to himself, just barely loud enough for Xiumin to hear.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Will you help me?” Xiumin asked from the floor, supporting Luhan’s weight with one hand.
“Of course,” Kai picked Luhan up like a child, “always.”
Then he vanished.
Xiumin sighed, surprise and shock not even registering on the list of things to feel right now. He looked down at Luhan’s father. His chest seemed to be the source of the blood. Xiumin went to the tiny kitchen, finding a clean towel and bringing it back to the body. He cleaned the old man carefully, making sure no trace of the blood could be found. He searched the wreck of an apartment for clothes and dressed him in clean ones, his small frail body getting lost in the folds. Next, he found a clean sheet and carefully wrapped him in it.
Standing up, he studied his work. He looked peaceful. Xiumin noticed Luhan had his father’s eyes, just as Kai appeared next to him.
“Sorry I took so long, I had to explain.”
“Right,” Xiumin didn’t take his eyes off the body.
“Are you alright?”
“Am I alright?”
“Yeah, it isn’t just Luhan who is hurting.”
No, but it’s mostly him. Xiumin was reminded of his parents, feeling guilty. He should have reacted this way, right? He should have screamed, cried, begged or vowed revenge.
Right?
Instead, Xiumin remembered he was relieved.
“I’m fine.”
Kai gently picked the body up, disappearing and appearing again. Xiumin remembered to hold his breath.
They all helped to clean Luhan of his father’s blood, as he hadn’t woken up yet. Xiumin told them everything after they were done, including the whole moving things with his mind thing. Xiumin let out a bitter chuckle at the look of alarm on Lay and Chanyeol’s faces. There was only one possibility that would explain how quickly Luhan had been healed.
“You’re quick,” Lay said, thoroughly impressed when he told them.
“No, just observant.” He felt he could trust these three, Kai, Lay and Chanyeol. He even showed them what he could do, making a small snow cloud appear over Chanyeol’s head. It was worth it to see the yelp escape the giant’s mouth. He cracked a real smile in what felt like days.
“Your smile is cute,” observed Chanyeol, wiping remnants of snow off his arm.
“Thanks,” muttered Xiumin.
Luhan woke up a few hours later, just long enough for them to perform a small burial ceremony. He fell asleep immediately after, with no words to the other boys.
The rest of them continued talking through the night, Kai sticking close to the corner of the room. His smile was a ghost.
“Kai, you said something earlier.”
“Yes?”
“When we were in Luhan’s apartment, you said, ‘it’s worse than I remember.’ What did you mean by that?” Kai had gotten very still.
“I don’t think I should say. It isn’t the right time.”
This time Chanyeol started, “What does that mean?”
“I-,” Kai shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Just then, Luhan sat up in bed, one hand to his head. He rubbed his face sleepily, and ran a hand through his hair. His face was pale and swollen. He groaned into his hands and leaned back on the wall, facing them. He scowled when he saw them looking at him.
“Don’t stop for me,” he snapped.
“Luhan-,” Xiumin started but a glare from Luhan stopped him mid-sentence, “never mind.”
Kai watched this exchange in silence, something clearly troubling him.
“I’ll be back,” he said, and then he disappeared.
“Huh,” Luhan huffed, “alright.”
It occurred to everyone that Luhan didn’t know about Kai’s power until right then. Xiumin was concerned at his emotionless response. Wasn’t that a symptom of depression?
“I don’t have time to be depressed,” Luhan remarked.
“I didn’t say that out loud Luhan.”
“Really? Oh, ok then,” another gray response.
“Did he just-,” Lay started.
“-Read your mind?” Chanyeol finished.
“Is everybody a mind reader?” Xiumin exclaimed.
Kai appeared again.
“Okay, things are moving a little fast, but I asked and its okay.”
“What’s okay?”
“It’s time to leave.”
“Whoa, whoa. What do you mean it’s time to leave? Leave where?” Lay and Chanyeol nodded in agreement with Xiumin.
Kai huffed, “I can’t tell you that yet!”
“Yet? What are you waiting for?”
Luhan was watching Kai like a cat would a small animal, curious and ready to pounce. He cocked his head to the side and lifted an eyebrow.
“That’s interesting,” He commented, and Kai pleaded with his eyes to keep his mouth shut. Luhan raised his hands, “I won’t say anything,”
The doorknob jiggled and a young boy with a stern face stepped in.
“Why are there so many people here?” He asked eyes wide.
“Sehun!” Kai blurted, and clamped his hands over his mouth.
“How do you know my name?” Kai opened his mouth to reply but was cut off.
“He can’t tell you-,” Chanyeol began.
“-yet,” Lay finished. Luhan rolled his eyes sighing in annoyance. He raised an arm and gestured for Kai to take it, “Let’s go please, I’m done with this.”
Luhan leaving with Kai convinced the others to go as well, even Sehun who only trusted Lay and Chanyeol. Kai had been hesitant to grab Sehun’s hand, opting for a shoulder instead. When they reappeared, everyone was gathered on the front lawn of the largest house any of them had ever seen. All of them except Luhan had their mouths open, gaping at the size and magnificence.
“Kris and Suho are waiting,” Kai said, taking the lead. They all followed, Luhan trailing at the back with Xiumin beside him. His fingers twitched to do something for him. Suddenly Luhan turned to Xiumin, smile painted on his face.
“Xiumin, I’m fine really,” but Xiumin didn’t believe him. His eyes weren’t crinkling as they usually do when he smiles.
“You have your father’s eyes,” He tried. Luhan’s smile was replaced with a blank expression.
“Thank you,” He said in a robotic tone. The group made their way down confusing twists and turns, staying as close as possible on Kai’s heels. They finally approached a set of large oak doors.
“This is the library,” Kai pushed the doors open. They gasped at the large room before them. Three people were standing around a table that was near the back. They looked up when the group filed in. Xiumin looked around, soaking in his surroundings. Every wall except the one opposite the doors were filled with books. That entire wall, floor to ceiling was a window. He saw the large expanse of a perfectly manicured lawn that led into a lush forest. He had no idea where they were.
The room was filled with natural light, and illuminated the boy’s faces that were watching them. They stepped down from the raised platform. One was incredibly tall, taller than the giant Chanyeol. His face was stern as his eyes swept across all of them. The one standing in the middle had an incredibly kind face, his cheeks lifted in a warm smile. The kind of expression that used to rest on Luhan’s face that had been replaced with a scowl. Lastly, Xiumin settled his eyes on a short boy with large eyes and expression like excitement. His eyes were as black as night, and his heart-shaped lips were parted in an almost smile.
“Hello,” the middle one began, “I’m sure you all have questions.”
“Just a few,” Interjected Chanyeol, receiving a smack on the arm from Lay.
“Of course,” he chuckled, “but first, I’m Suho. This is Kris,” he gestured to the blond giant, “and D.O.” The smaller one smiled, his face squishing excitedly.
“Why don’t we all sit down, and I’ll call the others,” Suho nodded and left. There were couches and chairs directly to the left of the door. Luhan chose a single armchair, to Xiumin’s disappointment. Kris and D.O. sat next to each other across from Luhan, and the rest squeezed onto the last couch. It was silent in the room, so they could hear footsteps long before faces appeared in the doorway. A boy with impeccable eyeliner and the brightest smile Luhan had ever seen appeared first.
“Hello again! I’ve missed you all,” His arms were spread as though he were giving them all a friendly hug. Luhan glanced at Kris and D.O. as they face palmed.
“Baekhyun!” Kris hissed.
“And that is my cue to sit,” He pranced over to Luhan, and pulled a stool as close as possible. Luhan narrowed his eyes at the close proximity. The next to appear was a scary looking boy who introduced himself as Tao. Luhan perked up slightly. Chinese? He watched the door expectantly as Suho and a boy named Chen walked through together. Suho must have said something before walking in because Chen was smiling largely at Suho.
“Hello, welcome back,” he greeted cheerfully. Luhan counted 12 in total. Kris stood up as Suho sat down, as though it had been choreographed. Luhan wondered vaguely how long they had known each other.
Luhan had been aware of the new ability that had shown up throughout all of this excitement. Everyone, to him at least, had become a mess of voices, pictures, and feelings. In a room filled with 12 others, it felt like he could snap at any moment. He could feel and hear everything everyone was thinking. It was as if a radio had been left on a white noise station. He focused on the one who was standing in front of them, his deep voice echoing in Luhan’s mind.
Luhan supposed it was an incredible advantage. It was nice to be able to be an entire step ahead of everyone, and that was when he heard Kris as clear as if he was speaking directly into his ear. It was his opportunity.
Luhan laughed sharply, gaining the eyes of everyone in the room. He held them calmly in his hand. He leaned forward slowly, flicking his eyes between everyone. He landed resolutely on Kris. Luhan smirked at the name Kris was calling him in his head.
“This is an interesting,” he drew the word out, “development. Continue then.” Kris glared, and sighed. Suho stared at him with worry on his face. Luhan ignored him. His goal had been reached. He had let everyone know that he was to be feared. Suddenly, Kris’ voice disappeared from the chatter. Luhan kept a straight face, even as surprise clouded his thoughts. Kris sighed again.
“It’s a really long story, but I guess in order to save time,” He laughed, “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”
Eyebrows shot up all over the room and Suho rolled his eyes. Then, Kris began growing taller. Was he getting taller? No, concluded Luhan, he was floating.
“They call me the Dragon,” he said from a foot above the ground. Suho stood up and held an arm out, suddenly the air in the room felt dry. They watched in fascination as his entire right arm was covered in water. It flowed in a circular pattern, perfectly clear. D.O piped up from where he was sitting, “I would show you mine, but I might destroy- well everything. I can control Earth,” His smile was sheepish. Baekyhun bounced to his feet as the others sat down, eager to have everyone’s attention.
He raised his arms, making grabbing motions in the air above his head until they could see the tiniest ball of light sitting in the palm of his hand. It was the size of a marble. He brought his palm in front of his face and raised his other hand.
“Baekyhun don’t-,” Suho started, but was subsequently ignored. He flicked the marble and it shot towards a pillow that was resting innocently next to Sehun. It went straight through, as Sehun let out a squeal. The boy leaned over and gently picked up the decimated pillow. Chanyeol let out a yelp and pointed at couch. It had an identical hole that led straight through to the other side.
“Dammit Baekyhun,” Kris sighed.
They continued after that, Xiumin made it snow, and Sehun created a tiny tornado in the palm of his hand. Chanyeol made his finger a candle. Lay healed Baekyhun’s paper cut, and Chen made everyone (except Luhan) jump a foot at the electric shock he sent to all of them. Tao didn’t use his power, but told them it was time control. Kai didn’t need an explanation.
The last one was Luhan. He frowned at the sudden expectant stares. He raised his fingers slow in a snap formation, smiling quickly, and clicked his fingers. Instantly, everyone but Kris had fallen asleep. Kris looked around quickly at the bodies of his sleeping friends. Luhan looked at him calmly, “You asked me to.”
“What did you do to them?”
Luhan ignored the question, instead focusing on the shred of thought Kris was thinking.
“What do you mean you knew this would happen?”
“Would you stop-,”
“Reading your mind?”
“Yes!” Kris cried in exasperation.
“Then tell me what I want to know.”
“You won’t like it.”
“A lot has happened that I didn’t like,” he paused before spitting out, “lately.”
They stared at each other, Kris shielding his mind successfully from Luhan for at least a moment. He sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose before looking up at Luhan through his fingers.
“Essentially,” a smirk interrupted his sentence, “you could either be the end of the world, or the savior.”
“Oh, is that it?”
“Oh come on Luhan! You need to get over yourself for just five fucking minutes.”
Luhan’s eyes narrowed and he slowly pushed himself up from his seat, holding Kris’ eyes. He stalked like a predator, stride slow and confident, to Kris, stepping over Baekyhun’s motionless body. He placed his hands on either side of Kris’ head, thumbs applying a gentle pressure to his temples. He leaned in until he was inches from Kris’ face.
“I have no intention of killing the world, Kris.” A pause, “There is only one person I want to kill. There is absolutely only one I want to see broken and bleeding by my hands.”
Kris’ mouth opened in shock, and Luhan chose that moment to send his memories into Kris’ mind.
A frail man sat comfortably in a chair reading a novel in a tiny apartment. His eyes crinkled as he smiled at the book. There was a knock, making him look up. He didn’t move, he probably couldn’t. The door opened slowly, and tall man dressed in a familiar fashion calmly stepped into the room. There was no mistaking the sadistic glee in his eyes.
“What are you doing here?” Luhan’s father stammered.
“Do you really need me to answer that?” The man’s voice was smooth, controlling. He moved around the room as though he had been there a thousand times. He pulled Luhan’s father up by his collar, face-to-face with the old man.
“Do you know how long it took for me to find you two?”
“Don’t you dare touch Luhan!”
“Oh,” he smiled mockingly, “and what are you going to do to stop me?”
The old man raised a weak hand, and the books lying on the couch a few feet away floated languidly into the air. They bounced harmlessly off the bigger man. A short, bitter laugh sounded in the silent room.
“Nice try, using your gift against me. Normal for you, huh? Using what you were born with to spite me. Now look at you, a shell,” He shook Luhan’s father roughly, “you disgust me, you pitiful old man. Death may be already coming for you, but you can think of me as an assistant.” He leaned in close, and plunged the knife he had been concealing into his chest in a swift, practiced motion.
“I’m just taking some of his workload,” He laughed cruelly and threw the dying man to the floor, stepping over him towards the door.
“Now, if I remember correctly, Luhan works with that bakery boy today…,” He let his sentence trail on as he stepped through the door, slamming it shut with a final crack.
Luhan’s father gurgled on the floor, “Luhan…,” his last words bubbling and dying on his lips.
When he came to, Luhan still had his hands on his temples, but had apparently fallen to his knees during the exchange. Tears were pouring from his open eyes as he stared at Kris expressionless. He slowly removed his hands, watching Kris for a reaction.
Kris had not lived an easy life, and therefore been unable to escape seeing terrible things in the past. The universe he came from was incredibly different from this one. Murder and death were just another ware sold on the streets of the big city. This, however, was easily the worst thing he had ever seen. The cruelty. The finality. Luhan’s large eyes watched him, and Kris was surprised to see a childish need for acceptance.
“Luhan,” He choked on his words, “I’ll help you anyway I can.”
As long as it doesn’t interfere with the mission. He finished in his head. He knew Luhan had heard him. Luhan squeezed his eyes shut and launched himself into Kris’ arms.
“Xie Xie,” He said in Chinese. Luhan stood up and wordlessly wiped the tears from his face. He sat back down in his chair, and snapped his fingers again. They all rose as if in a trance to their previous positions and opened their eyes. They were staring, unknowingly waiting for Luhan to share his power.
“Show us already!” Baekyhun cried. Luhan laughed bitterly and waved his hand dismissively. Every book in the library levitated from its position and was replaced just as quickly. Luhan didn’t look for their reactions, as he stared into the distance, head in his hand. He looked bored. Kris knew it was a lie.
“Cool,” Sehun snorted, “you make books float.”
“Yes, that’s all I do,” Luhan agreed sarcastically, “but its only books. I can’t do anything else.” Sehun stared at his face, seeming to believe him.
“Luhan,” Xiumin said, “was that sarcasm I just heard?”
Luhan for some reason felt much better than he had in what felt like years. His face broke out into a real smile, “of course, is there any other way?” He sensed that everyone was pleased when he smiled. He should do it for them more often.
Summary: He was either a martyr or a destroyer. The difference, and the simple fact of not knowing which one he was is tearing him apart at the seams. His every thought was filled with him...it was consumed with him. Life had become much more complicated than he could ever imagine. The barrier between time and space had become nothing more to him than a door, and every cell of his being vibrates with power.Yet, he would trade it all to change what happened.
Chapter 1: Stories
“I read all about it in a story. A prince falls in love with a beautiful commoner!”
“Yeah dad, but that’s about a girl and a boy.”
“What’s the difference? You both have the capabilities to make out with the prince.”
“...dad no,” Luhan chuckled and patted his father’s hand. He took note of the paper-thin quality of his father’s skin. His smile quickly faltered, and he turned his head away to hide his sudden change. He knew his father was dying, wasting away in the slums of this city, and yet he still found the strength to smile at Luhan as brightly as the sun.
Every morning, like clockwork, Luhan would get up, find some sort of breakfast and attempt to feed his father. He regaled him with stories as Luhan spooned the tasteless gruel into his mouth. It killed a part of Luhan to watch his father’s skin steadily grow dull and yellow. His teeth and hair were falling out day by day.
The only thing that seemed to stay alive were his eyes. Luhan adored his father’s eyes; they were deep brown, round, and filled to the brim with childlike curiosity. An old intelligence shone in them as well, sparkling and eager. He loved the way they widened at the sight of a new book Luhan would bring home if he ever got enough money.
“What is it today?” His father would ask, fingering the spine and smelling the cover.
“Pirates,” Luhan would crouch dramatically, “nasty pirates with greed enough for hundreds of men.”
“Where are you going today?” His father leaned forward slightly to receive another bland spoonful, shaking Luhan out of his memory.
“I have deliveries to make. I’m also going to the shop; want me to see if I can coax them into giving me some sweets?” His father’s eyes crinkled.
“Do you have to ask twice?”
They both laughed as they finished breakfast in an amiable mood. Luhan left the tiny room that served as the living, dining, and bedroom for the both of them. A thin wall separated the Kitchen. It included a sink, a few cupboards and a very small icebox. Luhan washed the dishes quickly, conserving water, and put them away. He closed his eyes and smiled, enjoying the feeling of the cold.
He got ready quickly, running his hand through his jet-black hair, and swinging his bag over his shoulder. This was the part of the morning he hated the most. If he could, he would never leave these four walls.
“I’m off!” He called, walking out of the door, one hand raised in farewell.
“Stay safe!” His father bellowed sincerely.
Those were the last words his father would say to him.
The thought crept into his mind, small and timid. He ignored it; feeling slightly disturbed at the idea and set off down the street. The dirt roads were clear, as it was very early. Dew clung to the blades of grass at the sides of the road, making everything shimmer mysteriously. The houses were close together, stacked haphazardly. It looked almost like a giant had used them as dice and left them where they lay. Brown was a color that seeped into everything, different shades, and different textures. It covered everything in a layer of grime, but Luhan didn’t see his home as dirty. He saw the charm. He saw the decorations on people’s houses, and could faintly hear the laughter of a group of people as he walked by.
He knew of the comradery living in a neighborhood like this. The elderly had always looked out for and taken care of the younger ones. Even he remembered a time when he had stopped eating to feed his father. His figure had begun to look skeletal when an old woman had approached him with a bundle of food.
He shivered at the memory. He bounced on his toes, feeling excited to be outside alone. He closed his eyes shortly, enjoying the slight breeze as it ruffled his bangs. The sun hadn’t woken yet as he strolled down the deserted streets, passing beggars as he went.
He noticed a boy was watching him from the shadows, unknown to all except Luhan. He watched Luhan as he stopped at each beggar, smiling and talking. The boy looked on in fascination as Luhan produced a small, neat package for each person. His eyes crinkling as he handed it over.
Luhan knew the boy was there without looking, but he couldn’t see his face. The act was not malicious, and Luhan wondered if he should offer him some food.
However, as quickly as he came, he was gone.
The first rays of light were beginning to spill through the overcast sky, signaling that it was time to get to the shop. Xiumin was probably waiting for him.
He was right, Luhan mused as he peeked through the glass of the bakery. He watched Xiumin masterfully ice a cake, tongue sticking out in concentration. Luhan was now at least 75% sure he could get a free treat, he knowingly ruffled his hair.
85% sure
The bell chimed as he stepped through the door.
“Welcome to- Luhan!” Xiumin’s usual greeting was cut off as soon as he noticed whom it was walking through his door. His face was all smiles as he sat down his icing. He gestured for Luhan to wait before hurrying to the back. Luhan smirked.
100%
Xiumin reemerged with a smug grin and a small tub of lilac icing. He stuck his finger in and held it out to Luhan.
“What do you think?”
The action was so at ease that Luhan could almost forget how hard it was to get to know this boy.
He remembered how elusive Xiumin had been, how distant. The first time they met was after a rainstorm, the smell was still lingering in the air. Luhan had seen the older boy stumbling down the road with two soaked boxes of cupcakes. He immediately took note of the lost puppy dog eyes and ran to his aid.
Xiumin had been so shocked at the sudden presence of the other boy that he nearly dropped the cakes in the mud. Luhan sensed the distrust and suspicion, as it was coming off him in waves.
“No, no,” Luhan raised his arms in a defensive position, “I thought you could use some help.” It had taken some coaxing and a few threats from Xiumin before he let Luhan help him.
All of that led to this moment, the older boy smiling in anticipation, finger covered in icing. He was watching Luhan’s every move. Luhan wasted no time as he stepped forward, keeping eye contact as he licked the icing off Xiumin’s finger.
Xiumin’s smile flickered almost imperceptibly before it was normal again. Luhan grinned at the sweet, slightly tangy taste of the icing as it melted on his tongue.
“Xiumin that’s amazing! Did you use the orange peel?”
“Good guess, yeah. Do you think it’s too strong?”
“No. It’s perfect.”
He followed Xiumin into the back room, absorbing the smell of sugar and flour, as he always did.
“You’re so good with frosting,” Luhan said distractedly, running his hands over the cookie cutters. He nearly missed it as Xiumin tensed up, hand fluttering mindlessly up to his neck. Luhan sensed suspicion again, the first time in a while and wondered what he did to deserve it.
“I’m sorry,” He apologized quickly, “Did I say something wrong?”
“N-no. Nothing. It’s nothing.”
“Oh. Okay then.”
They sat in silence for a beat.
“I have some deliveries for you today. Not too many, but there’s a really big one I’ll need to help you with later, okay?” Luhan nodded, fidgeting slightly with his bag. He was feeling guilty for no real reason. He grabbed the boxes quickly, strapping them down to make sure none of them slipped. He left the bakery in low spirits, annoyed at himself. But that made him even angrier, what had he done?
“It was the icing thing wasn’t it?” He said aloud to himself. He felt the tips of his ears going red in embarrassment. What was he supposed to do in that situation? Xiumin clearly wanted him to...
“Hey look out!”
Luhan was ripped out of his thoughts by someone screaming at him. He looked up just in time to see a horse with no rider come barreling towards him at full speed. His mind moved faster than the horse ran, calculating possibilities.
In one swift movement, Luhan tore off his bag with his left hand, sending it flying behind him, and literally jumped at the horse. Using his strength alone would have gotten him nowhere, so he thrust out his right hand while in the air and pushed with his mind. He launched himself at an angle and collided with the horse. He ignored the pain and frantically grabbed the reigns before pulling himself up into the saddle. He pulled the horse to a skidding stop.
He hadn’t registered how many people were screaming until they stopped. A tall man with big ears ran over. His mouth was open in a silent question. People in the crowd started clapping.
Luhan turned another shade of red.
“Are you alright?” The man asked him, Luhan nodded quietly, stepping down from the horse and handing the reigns to the man.
“I’m so sorry,” he floundered, “I think he got spooked, I lost control and-,” Luhan noticed his vision going fuzzy. He stuck a hand out, stumbling a few steps backwards.
“Hey! Hey! You’re bleeding! Hey!” The man held him up, worry etched onto his childlike face.
Luhan looked at his abdomen; red was seeping through his clothes. How did he not notice before? Was he falling? That would be a yes.
“Okay, listen,” The man started, lifting him up bridal style, “I’m taking you to someone who can help. You just need to stay awake.” Luhan strongly doubted he could stay awake for much longer, but he tried.
“My name’s Chanyeol by the way. I’m not going to stop talking, so just listen. Keep focused on the sound of my beautiful voice.” Luhan would have bet everything he owned on the fact that this man probably never stopped talking.
“How did you do that? That was crazy! You went so fast! How did you get hurt anyway?”
“Lose buckle probably...” Luhan murmured into Chanyeol’s chest, “Sorry for the blood,” he whispered, lifting a hand weakly and gently touching the spots where his blood was getting on Chanyeol.
“Don’t apologize! Man, what’s wrong with you? Apologizing for no reason…Hey.” Chanyeol lightly jostled Luhan awake, “Stay awake for me, we’re really close.”
He was vaguely aware of his surroundings, watching as they entered dark alleys and wasn’t the least bit worried for some reason.
“We’re here,” Chanyeol kicked a door roughly, and Luhan glanced up at the sweat forming on his head.
“Lay! Open up! Someone’s literally dying!”
Was he dying? Probably. Luhan thought of his father, panic suddenly clearing his senses. He can’t die before his father.
“Chan-Chanyeol, I’ve got to-,” He started, trying to wiggle out of Chanyeol’s grasp. The door suddenly opened as Luhan was moving around weakly, the pain became overwhelming. He couldn’t hold on anymore and passed out, head lolling to his chest.
“What the hell Chanyeol?”
“Talk later! Come on!” Chanyeol rushed into the tiny house as Lay brushed off everything that was on his kitchen table. He lowered Luhan down as gently as possible. Luhan whimpered slightly at the contact.
“This is really not a good idea! I can’t save him without- you know.”
“Then do it, I have a feeling it’s alright.”
“What does that mean?” Lay asked incredulously.
“Lay!”
“Fine.” Lay closed his eyes and his hands began to glow a mint green. He passed his hands over the injury. Luhan sighed underneath the cool touch, pain finally gone.
“There, help me move him to the bed.” They each grabbed half of him and placed him on the bed that took up one wall of the kitchen/dining room. Lay was sweating when he sat down at a chair with Chanyeol at the table.
“Now please,” He sighed, “tell me how and why you showed up on my doorstep with a bleeding boy? Not like this is the first time though.”
Chanyeol smirked at the memory, “Lay, I think he has something.”
“What?”
“No, like something we have.”
Lay sighed and dramatically collapsed on the table, “Why do you keep finding these kids?”
“I didn’t do it on purpose!”
“Bullshit. You have some sort of radar thing don’t you. Does it go beep whenever there’s one of us nearby? Does it look like a mini-metal detector?” Lay waved his arms and then collapsed in his chair.
“Quit being so dramatic.”
Lay waved him off as Luhan stirred in his sleep. The two froze and stared at the sleeping boy. Luhan mumbled something incoherent and his hand moved to his stomach.
“Is he waking up?” Chanyeol asked.
“Maybe.”
“Great answer.”
“Shut-up,” Lay threw a napkin that was left on the table in his direction. Chanyeol dodged easily and shot his huge smile at him.
Meanwhile, Xiumin sat waiting in the bakery. It was a slow day, so he had allowed himself a cupcake.
“Where are you?” He demanded the cupcake. He was feeling really stupid for the way he acted earlier. A couple of small boys raced past the shop, nearly breaking the glass of the door as they ran into it.
“Watch out!” Xiumin called.
“Sorry sir!”
“Why are you running so quickly?”
“There was an accident!” They said excitedly and bowed. They ran off like two whirlwinds. Xiumin shrugged and continued eating his cupcake angrily.
Then he saw something that froze the blood in his veins to ice. Two girls walked past the shop carrying Luhan’s bag. It was unmistakable.
“Where did you find that?” He yelled from behind the counter. The girls giggled, “The accident!”
Xiumin’s heart stopped.
Luhan.
He dropped his cupcake, and ran out the front door of his shop. He ran until he saw a large crowd.
“Luhan? Luhan?” He called through the crowd. Please don’t let it be true! Please! He chanted in his head. He asked everyone if they saw the accident, pushing his way to the front. He saw a group of young children surrounding a docile looking horse and-
There was a small puddle of blood.
Luhan. Oh god. Luhan.
Xiumin turned towards an old woman he was standing next to.
“Excuse me, do you know what happened?”
“I absolutely do,” the old woman cried, “That horse was going crush us all and this boy came out of nowhere and stopped it! It was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it!”
“What did he look like?”
“He had black hair-
Oh no.
“He was very pretty, face like an angel-
Luhan.
“But if you’re looking for him, he went that way,” She pointed across the street into an alley,” He seemed to be pretty hurt too. A man was carrying him away; you could probably follow the blood.”
It took everything in him to not collapse on the street right then. Did she just say follow the blood?
“Oh my god,” He breathed before taking off like a bullet down the alley. He knew he was a mess, he knew screaming Luhan’s name over and over until his voice was hoarse was not helping. Nevertheless, he did it anyway. Finally, he acknowledged that he was helpless and lost, falling to his knees in the middle of the dirty alley. He put his face in his hands and sobbed. He was lost, and this time Luhan wouldn’t be coming to save him.
“Excuse me.” A timid voice called out to him. Xiumin looked up from his hands at the boy who was stepping out of the shadows. He was breathtaking, his face and body were beautifully tanned, complimenting his dark eyes and full lips.
“I’m Kai.”
“Xiumin.”
“Are you looking for that boy?”
Hope swelled in Xiumin’s chest as he nodded lightly.
“Come with me.” Xiumin scrambled to his feet, wiping his tears away messily as he blindly followed this stranger. He didn’t care that this boy could be leading him into a trap. He didn’t care that the further they went, the less light there was. He didn’t care that the shadows on the walls danced with his every movement. None of that mattered.
A/N: In response to a lovely request we received. Send us your requests for anything Bangtan-related you’d like to see! Our inbox is empty again!
genre: angst, per request^^
word count: 1.1k
parts: part 1, expecting 4 parts when finished!
trigger warning: this story is about Namjoon having schizophrenia. I tried to be as sensitive to the topic as I could xx
“It’s at stake again,
It’s dangerous again…
No way, no way, it’s collapsing again
A house of cards with us inside”
Who’s gonna catch me when I fall
Are you?
Forgive me that I will also hurt, I will pretend, I will wander
But I don’t wanna let you down let you down
Disappoint you
No
…
Someone will catch me when I fall
I know
stormborns
titsay
romaincrisis
blakekathryn
turnnoffyourmind
gummygunk
